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Bill > S3244
NJ S3244
NJ S3244Requires minimum of one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on school bus.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a board of education or a contracted service provider that provides pupil transportation services to ensure that a school bus has on board at least one school bus aide for every 15 students with special needs. The bill requires this aide-to-student ratio to be maintained at all times when a school bus is transporting students with special needs or a combination of students with special needs and general education students. For purposes of this bill, a "student with special needs" is a student who is classified as eligible for special education programs and services, but does not include a student who is classified as eligible for special education programs and services solely on the basis of a "specific learning disability," as that term is defined in the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act."
AI Summary
This bill mandates that school districts and their contracted transportation providers must ensure that every school bus carrying students with special needs, or a mix of students with special needs and general education students, has at least one school bus aide for every 15 such students. A "student with special needs" is defined as a student eligible for special education programs and services, but this definition excludes students whose eligibility is based solely on a "specific learning disability," as defined by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that ensures students with disabilities receive free appropriate public education. This requirement will take effect immediately and apply starting with the next full school year.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 02/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3244 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3244_I1.HTM |
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